The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports is now fully into effect, “completely” cutting off Tehran’s international sea trade that powers about 90% of its economy, the U.S. Central Command said late Tuesday stateside.
The announcement comes at a time when the White House has been signaling a diplomatic solution to the conflict in the Middle East, as discussions around continuing negotiations with Tehran are underway.
“A blockade of Iranian ports has been fully implemented as U.S. forces maintain maritime superiority in the Middle East,” said Brad Cooper, Centcom commander, highlighting that it was achieved under 36 hours of President Donald Trump’s order.
“U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going in and out of Iran by sea.”
More than 90% of Iran’s $109.7 billion in annual seaborne trade transits through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran lacks any significant alternative trade routes, according to Miad Maleki, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a non-partisan think tank in Washington.
